Distinguished
Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends!
Tisztelt Vendégek, Hölgyeim és Uraim, Kedves Barátaink!
With this concert
this afternoon we begin a yearlong commemoration of the 1956
Hungarian Revolution.
Not just what it
stood for fifty years ago in Central Europe, but also what it
represents today and what it means for the future of mankind.
In 1956 the
Hungarian Revolution stood for a death-defyingly courageous
struggle of a David for national independence, freedom and
democracy against one of the most formidable nuclear Goliaths of
the world.
Today it represents
one of the first major, truth-revealing uprisings against the
seemingly invincible Soviet Communist tyranny, from which that
Evil Empire could never again fully recover until its final
collapse fifteen years ago.
For the future of
mankind the 1956 Hungarian Revolution became one of the
brightest stars in the galaxy of those historic events, which
define the human race’s eternal aspiration for truth, for
self-determination, for liberty.
As we enjoy our
inspiringly outstanding musical program this evening, let us in
our hearts strengthen our hope that the light of that star will
shine brightly forever, helping future generations to find their
way to realizing their quest for ever-expanding freedom.
We bow our heads to the fallen heroes of fifty years ago and we
raise our hearts in gratitude, and in solidarity with the living
Hungarian spirit of 1956.
Él, éljen 1956!
Introductory remarks by Professor Károly Nagy
at the January 15 concert in New
Brunswick NJ by |
The
Steinway Artist Endre Heged
